I realized that I have been remiss when I have talked about finding low cost books. It seems that there are many people that like to read physical books rather reading on an eReader. Most of my tips have been how to find discounted books for the eReader.

There are sources for discount books. The obvious choice of the used book store. I am fortunate to have several in the town where I live.

The next choice that comes to mind is the local library. My library has book sales several times a year. I don’t think that this is uncommon. Also, my library usually has a cart of books that are for sale in the check-out area.

But let’s think outside the box a bit. Both of those choices are great if you are not looking for a particular book. But what if you want to read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt?

There is eBay. Yes, eBay has books. In fact they have almost 4 MILLION books available. There are some that have free shipping. If you are looking for a particular book, that could be a great source. They seem to have textbooks, antique books, audio books and best sellers. All categories of books can be found there. You might also want to think of it when you need to clean out those book shelves and sell some of your books.

EBay also has a company by the name of Half that sells new and used books and rents books. Each books is broken down into sections for brand new, like new, very good, good, and acceptable. Each seller has a rating based on reviews. There is a cost to mail the book via media mail. You can also use coupons at the site. (google half.com promo codes)

Amazon buys and sells used books. Depending on the title, you may be able to buy a used copy. Also, if you go to the book section, they have a (across the top of the page) section for “deals in books”.

There is also Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble on-line has a section of bargain books (a tab toward the top of the page). There are hardback books there for $2.99. It is interesting because they show that the hardback book is $2.99 while the Nook edition will be $12.99. It looks to me that these books are a few years old but not the dregs of the book world. When I looked, I saw the Mitch Albom book, The Time Keeper in hardcover for $3.99 (and nook for $9.99). You will also find a display in the stores of books that are on sale.

Barnes and Noble also has a club. The cost to join the club is $25 per year. With the club membership, you receive discounts – 40% off hardcover bestsellers and 10% off almost everything else in the store. You also get mailings with discount coupons. If you order from the on-line store, you get free express shipping. Irritatingly (at least to me…) none of the discounts apply to books you buy for the nook.

Books at a flea market

Books are also a staple at garage sales, flea markets and rummage sales. These are the cheapest places to find books.

If you look on line, you will also find many discount book sellers (google discount books).

So there you have it. More ideas for places for discounted books. Where do you get your books? Is there somewhere I have missed? Please let me know.

Thanks Janice! Great ideas. I have signed up for the Goodreads giveaways but not been successful so I had forgotten about that. Great way to get books before the publication date.
I have heard of Half-Priced Books but there aren’t any around me. I didn’t know you could order them on-line.